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Falsely accused of a crime? Know your legal options

On behalf of The Law Office Of James M. Burns posted in sex crimes on Thursday, July 21, 2016.

Crimes that involve sexual assault or misconduct are some of the most aggressively prosecuted crimes in criminal courts across Florida. Between the public outrage that can erupt and the sensitive nature of these crimes, there is often great incentive for police and prosecutors to come down hard on alleged offenders.

This can be critical to remember if you have recently been wrongfully accused of sexual misconduct. The reality of these allegations, wrongful or not, is that you can be at a great disadvantage from the very beginning. In order to defend yourself and level the playing field, you will want to have a legal representative by your side.

An attorney can help you avoid making any statements that could later be taken out of context or used against you in court. In many cases, particularly those involving a person wrongfully accused of a crime, there is an instinct to immediately start talking to defend yourself. However, this can and does backfire, which is why it is crucial to have an attorney present when talking to police.

An attorney can also challenge police procedures and evidence against you. Illegal searches, coaching witnesses and lying are all underhanded ways that people try to make sex crime charges stick, and they can lead to a wrongful conviction if they go unchallenged.

While it may not feel like it when you are sitting in handcuffs or facing public scrutiny, you are innocent until proven guilty. And even when it feels like the chips are stacked against you, you must remember that you have the right to defend yourself.

Our attorneys know that being accused of a sex crime is a scary and upsetting experience, but you do not have to go through it alone. With our help, you can work to defend your rights and protect your reputation, freedom and future. For more information on our firm, please visit our website.

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